Understanding the Federal Government’s Wage Increase
In 2023, the Australian Federal Government announced a 10% wage increase for early childhood educators, taking effect from July 2024. This wage boost is part of a broader effort to improve pay, recognition and career pathways for the early education sector — one that has long been underpaid despite its critical role in children’s development.
Why Was This Wage Increase Introduced?
The early learning sector has faced long-standing challenges around staff shortages, turnover and workload pressures. The wage increase is designed to:
- Attract and retain quality educators
- Recognise the vital work done in early learning
- Support long-term career sustainability
This change acknowledges that the early years are foundational to a child’s learning and wellbeing – and the educators who support those years deserve to be valued accordingly.
How Does This Impact Educators?
For educators, the wage increase is a significant step forward. It offers not just better pay, but a stronger sense of recognition and respect for their skills and contributions.
At Amara, we welcome this change. We know that when educators feel supported and fairly compensated, it directly benefits the care and learning children receive.
Will the Wage Increase Affect Childcare Fees?
At a national level, there is ongoing discussion about how centres will manage rising costs, including wages. While the wage increase itself is federally funded for some roles, not all staff are covered under that funding, and centres may need to absorb some of the costs over time.
At Amara, our goal is to keep care as accessible and affordable as possible for families. We will always communicate transparently about any changes and remain committed to providing exceptional value through high-quality care and education.
Why This Is a Positive Step for Early Learning
Investing in early childhood educators is an investment in our children’s futures. The 10% wage increase is a positive move toward building a stronger, more sustainable early learning sector — one where educators are empowered, and families can feel confident in the care their children receive.
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